Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Remains in Hospital Following Cancer Operation

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Remains in Hospital Following Cancer Operation

VENEZUELA-POLITICS-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

AFP

A woman walks past a mural of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Caracas were the streets are practically deserted on January 1, 2013. Somber Venezuelans began 2013 fretting over their ubiquitous and garrulous leader Hugo Chavez, wondering what the future holds as the president wages a tough battle with cancer in a Havana hospital. New Year's Eve revelry was tempered, and official acts -- two open air concerts -- were canceled outright out of respect for the ex-paratrooper who has dominated this oil-rich country so thoroughly since taking power in 1999. Chavez underwent his fourth cancer-related surgery three weeks ago in Havana and has been bed-ridden ever since. Information on his condition is scant, with the government admitting only to 'complications' in his recovery. AFP PHOTO/LEO RAMIREZ

A woman walks past a mural of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Caracas were the streets are practically deserted on January 1, 2013. Somber Venezuelans began 2013 fretting over their ubiquitous and garrulous leader Hugo Chavez, wondering what the future holds as the president wages a tough battle with cancer in a Havana hospital. New Year's Eve revelry was tempered, and official acts -- two open air concerts -- were canceled outright out of respect for the ex-paratrooper who has dominated this oil-rich country so thoroughly since taking power in 1999. Chavez underwent his fourth cancer-related surgery three weeks ago in Havana and has been bed-ridden ever since. Information on his condition is scant, with the government admitting only to 'complications' in his recovery. AFP PHOTO/LEO RAMIREZ

VENEZUELA-POLITICS-CHAVEZ

RAUL ARBOLEDA

A supporter of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez gestures in Caracas on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA

A supporter of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez gestures in Caracas on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA

VENEZUELA-POLITICS-CHAVEZ

RAUL ARBOLEDA

A supporter of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez holds a Venezuelan flag during a session of the National Assembly in Caracas on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA

A supporter of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez holds a Venezuelan flag during a session of the National Assembly in Caracas on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA

NICARAGUA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

AFP

A man stands next to a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) and former Cuban President Fidel Castro in Managua on January 8, 2013. The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency.AFP Photo/Hector RETAMAL

A man stands next to a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) and former Cuban President Fidel Castro in Managua on January 8, 2013. The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency.AFP Photo/Hector RETAMAL

NICARAGUA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

AFP

A man stands next to a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Managua on January 8, 2013. The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency.AFP Photo/Hector RETAMAL

A man stands next to a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Managua on January 8, 2013. The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency.AFP Photo/Hector RETAMAL

NICARAGUA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

AFP

A woman looks from a taxi at a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Managua on January 8, 2013. The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency.AFP Photo/Hector RETAMAL

A woman looks from a taxi at a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Managua on January 8, 2013. The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency.AFP Photo/Hector RETAMAL

ARGENTINA-VENEZUELA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH-RALLY

ALEJANDRO PAGNI

People waves flags and chant slogans in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

People waves flags and chant slogans in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

ARGENTINA-VENEZUELA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH-RALLY

ALEJANDRO PAGNI

A woman delivers a speech during a rally in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

A woman delivers a speech during a rally in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

ARGENTINA-VENEZUELA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH-RALLY

ALEJANDRO PAGNI

People waves flags, gesture and chant slogans in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

People waves flags, gesture and chant slogans in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

ARGENTINA-VENEZUELA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH-RALLY

ALEJANDRO PAGNI

A man holds a figurine of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a rally in support of his recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

A man holds a figurine of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a rally in support of his recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. The sign reads 'Long live Commander Chavez. Long live Nestor (Kirchner), Strength Cristina (Fernandez). We are overcoming'. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

ARGENTINA-VENEZUELA-CHAVEZ-HEALTH-RALLY

ALEJANDRO PAGNI

A man holds a figurine of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a rally in support of his recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

A man holds a figurine of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a rally in support of his recovery in front of the Venezuelan embassy in Buenos Aires on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO / ALEJANDRO PAGNI

VENEZUELA-POLITICS-CHAVEZ

RAUL ARBOLEDA

Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez lwatch a session of the National Assembly on television in Caracas on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA

Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez lwatch a session of the National Assembly on television in Caracas on January 8, 2013. The President of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello announced today that due to health reasons, Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. A constitutional fight intensified with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in. Chavez, who underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in Havana nearly a month ago, is suffering from a severe pulmonary infection that has resulted in a respiratory insufficiency. AFP PHOTO/Raul ARBOLEDA

VENEZUELA-CABELLO-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan National Assembly president, Diosdado Cabello (C-back), and Vice-President Dario Vivas (L-back) are seen before a session in Caracas on January 8, 2013. Cabello announced on January 8, 2013, that due to health reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan National Assembly president, Diosdado Cabello (C-back), and Vice-President Dario Vivas (L-back) are seen before a session in Caracas on January 8, 2013. Cabello announced on January 8, 2013, that due to health reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO

VENEZUELA-CABELLO-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan National Assembly president, Diosdado Cabello, is seen before a session in Caracas on January 8, 2013. Cabello announced on January 8, 2013, that due to health reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan National Assembly president, Diosdado Cabello, is seen before a session in Caracas on January 8, 2013. Cabello announced on January 8, 2013, that due to health reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO

VENEZUELA-CABELLO-CHAVEZ-HEALTH

JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan National Assembly president, Diosdado Cabello (R), and Vice-President Dario Vivas are seen during a session in Caracas on January 8, 2013. Cabello announced on January 8, 2013, that due to health reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO

Venezuelan National Assembly president, Diosdado Cabello (R), and Vice-President Dario Vivas are seen during a session in Caracas on January 8, 2013. Cabello announced on January 8, 2013, that due to health reasons, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will not be able to take the oath to be sworn in for a fourth term in office next January 10. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO

Palavras-chave

A woman walks past a mural of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in... Fotografia de notíciasAdulto,Andar,Ausência,Caracas,Cidade,Efígie,Governo,Horizontal,Hugo Chavez,Mulheres,Mural,Política,Presidente,Rua,VenezuelaPhotographer AFPCollection: AFP 2013 AFPA woman walks past a mural of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Caracas were the streets are practically deserted on January 1, 2013. Somber Venezuelans began 2013 fretting over their ubiquitous and garrulous leader Hugo Chavez, wondering what the future holds as the president wages a tough battle with cancer in a Havana hospital. New Year's Eve revelry was tempered, and official acts -- two open air concerts -- were canceled outright out of respect for the ex-paratrooper who has dominated this oil-rich country so thoroughly since taking power in 1999. Chavez underwent his fourth cancer-related surgery three weeks ago in Havana and has been bed-ridden ever since. Information on his condition is scant, with the government admitting only to 'complications' in his recovery. AFP PHOTO/LEO RAMIREZ (Photo credit should read LEO RAMIREZ/AFP/Getty Images)